Doomed to Die in 3 Minutes

The Demon King

“Well then, let me hear it. I’m in a dream anyway. Either this is all a figment of my tired brain or someone is talking to me. I mean… it’s not like you can kill people in a dream, right? Can you?” I nervously stammer to whoever is there. There’s a burst of menacing laughter in response. “Oh? I’m not sure. Perhaps we can test it out?” I steel my soul for whatever comes next but nothing happens. “Mwahaha! I would not hurt someone who can still be useful to me. Fret not, as long as you do not choose to stand in my way, no harm will come to you.” 

I wince in relief and he laughs even more for what feels like a minute before the voice collects itself and continues. “I too am from Earth. I’m looking for my wife. Some of us are reborn as new people when we perish. I believe this is the most likely outcome for her. I can see the paths a soul has walked. You are not her, which is better for me I suppose. I’d rather she not be a man in this life, but if so, I’d still love her all the same.” He has honesty and frankness in his voice that cuts through me like a razor-sharp knife across my neck. That’s a strong statement but there’s something about it that sets off warning signals in my brain. 

“I am creating a country. A world where all can be free and earn what they deserve. I will crush all in my way. Are you content with the shape this world has? As someone from the same planet, I’m sure you know that it’s disgusting. That more than one world has this hideous shape of people being born into power and swiftly abusing it over every little thing they can. Any actual achievements their ancestors held are smeared with dirt from the actions of their descendants. I will right this wrong whenever I see it as I have always done. If you are willing to put in the work, I’ll give you the power that should be rightfully yours. I will find my beloved and I will free us all from the shackles that hold us. Join me in my crusade.” 

There is no bodily form for the man, but he who claims to be the demon king stretches out his hand to offer to rip me from the ground and join him in the heavens. A very tempting offer…

“I’m sorry. I’m not interested, sir. I think your plan is wonderful and I wish you all the luck, but I’m not going to kill a bunch of people to make it happen. Countless lives will burn to form that change. I can’t get that type of blood on my hands.” I bite my lip, at least I think I do.

“Do you not think that hypocritical? You slew a man today to save a city. To slay a few more to bring about a better world should be obvious… however, I will not kill. I do not know who my beloved is, I do not know how she is connected to others. I cannot recklessly take lives without that knowledge. I am capturing all my foes alive. There is no need for the slaughter of the intelligent.” I’m shocked.

That’s not particularly merciful. He’s only doing it so he doesn’t need to suffer unintended consequences. This man with unwavering confidence and bottomless ambition thinks about everyone and no one. This enigma… is that what it means to be larger than life?

“You will hear of my arrival in the coming days. The kingdoms of the east will fall one by one. I will take the world. It is only a matter of time. If nothing else, try not to take too many lives before my arrival. I shall give you something now. If you see anyone related to my previous life your body will be coated in a golden aura for a few moments. Bring them to me or at least keep them safe. If you meet them and do neither of those things… I will know.” 

I feel it. A sudden surge of his might merges with my own. He didn’t even ask.

He just did it so he can get what he wants… why is everyone I know so pushy?

Ah, screw it. It’s not that big a demand, and maybe he’ll never come… so I’ll ask the most important question right now.

“What’s your name?” 

I can’t see anything but I know he’s grinning like a fool.

“In this world, they call me Shichidou Yamatai. I am the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven. I await the day we meet with much anticipation, wear that mantle of Demon well until that day.” 

Something screams at me internally about that declaration but my consciousness is rousing. I’m waking up. Will I even remember all of this conversation!? 

This is important! Don’t forget… most… details… please… brain…!